It is spring in Ukraine, and with this season come blooming flowers, new life, and garden work. But spring cannot erase the heaviness of a war that has dragged on for more than two years. Although the fighting seems to have stopped in some parts of the country, Ukrainians are weary. They are weary of violence, fear, death, and destruction.
What is Ukraine like since the Russia/Ukraine war began in 2022?
Life in some areas has resumed a sense of normalcy. Active fighting in various communities has mostly quieted, and rebuilding is happening. But in eastern Ukraine, active conflict lines are a stark reality. “It is very scary,” says Halina, who lives near the front lines. Several months ago, a missile landed a few streets from her apartment and damaged most of her windows.
Scars of war can be seen across Ukraine. Men on the front lines continue to be killed. Millions of Ukrainians have left the country and more than 3 million remain internally displaced, leaving families and churches separated. The economy has taken a toll, and food prices are rising. Missile and drone strikes, mostly against power plants, have recently increased. Fear and uncertainty weigh heavily on many minds.
Alexander, his wife Sasha, and their two children used to live in the village of Ivanivske. After the war broke out, the family fled, but Alexander soon returned to Ivanivske for work. Each day after hours of hard work, he returned home exhausted. But then the sound of gunfire jerked him awake, forcing him to run to the cellar for shelter. This happened multiple times a night.
Sasha and the children later returned to Ivanivske to help with garden work. One night a bomb exploded nine miles away, damaging doors and windows in the village. Then the shooting started. Alexander woke Sasha and the children and they rushed to the cellar, gunfire and explosions sounding all around them. As the conflict continued in the following days, the family fled again. Alexander doesn’t expect to return to Ivanivske soon, since it is now under Russian control. “It’s hard,” he says, “because I have lost everything.” He is thankful to have an apartment for his family but struggles to find a stable job to provide for them. Even so he says, “Every day I thank God that I am alive.”
The situation and needs in Ukraine have shifted since 2022, and we have also attempted to shift our work in the country. We are seeking to help the most needy with items like food, Christian literature, and comforters. We are also doing rebuilding work, hiring local Ukrainians to rebuild and repair homes in areas where the conflict has moved on. Most of this work is done through a network of churches and contacts throughout the country. Vira is one rebuilding recipient. She and her adopted daughter were inside their home when they saw their neighbor’s house catch fire after being shelled. The two rushed outside to help their neighbor. Just as they left, five shells hit their house and sent it up in flames. After the fire, all that remained were ashes and charred walls. CAM provided funds to build a small home for Vira.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Supporters, thank you for the care you have shown toward war-weary Ukraine. The pastor of a church near active fighting said, “Thank you for your support. We are feeling your love.” CAM has budgeted $7.5 million for Ukraine this year, and we currently have a funding shortfall of $4.5 million. If you would like to help provide funds for food, literature, or rebuilding, your support will be a blessing!
To help with food, Christian literature, and other assistance for people affected by the war in Ukraine, click the Ukraine Crisis button to give a gift. To help provide funds to hire builders and buy building supplies to rebuild or repair homes for Ukrainians, click the Rebuilding button to give a gift.
